The Dutch political landscape is under scrutiny after it was revealed that Prime Minister Rob Jetten and his D66 party have been utilizing artificial intelligence to craft a substantial portion of their social media content. This revelation has sparked debates about the authenticity of political communication and the potential erosion of public trust. An investigation into posts on platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, dating back to 2021, discovered that out of 1,812 posts, at least 232 were generated using AI chatbots. These included 68 posts from Jetten’s personal accounts and 164 from the party’s official accounts.
The reliance on AI-generated content reportedly surged following a significant political event in June 2025, when the Schoof I Cabinet collapsed. After this turning point, approximately 30% of Jetten’s and D66’s social media posts were identified as having been crafted by AI. The technology was also employed in parts of Jetten’s literary work, “Hoe het wél kan,” and in scripting for three D66 campaign videos. This practice has raised eyebrows, particularly because some of the AI-generated messages addressed delicate topics such as the conflict in Ukraine, the MH17 disaster commemoration, and a government apology to the Moluccan community.
Despite the controversy, D66 has defended its use of artificial intelligence, asserting that all AI-generated content undergoes review and refinement by human staff. The party also stated that posts on Jetten’s personal accounts are based on his own input and receive his approval or editing before publication. However, this has not quelled concerns among experts and the public, who question whether the integration of AI in political messaging might undermine the perceived authenticity of a politician’s voice.
Claes de Vreese, a professor at the University of Amsterdam, has highlighted the potential risks of AI-generated language in politics, suggesting it could blur the lines between a politician’s genuine perspectives and computer-generated narratives. This development not only challenges the credibility of individual politicians like Jetten but also prompts broader discussions about transparency and ethical standards in the digital age of political communication. The expectation that official social media profiles genuinely reflect the thoughts and words of elected officials is now under intense scrutiny, as the role of AI in shaping political discourse comes to the forefront.